Rudolph Salvini

Rudolph S. Salvini Resident of Alameda March 22, 1925 - June 7, 2011 Rudolph Salvini, jazz musician, band leader, husband, friend, father, grandfather and genuinely nice guy died Tuesday from complications of cancer; he was 86. A native of Oakland, Rudy began playing the trumpet in the fifth grade and soon after started his own dance band. A long time Union 6 member, Rudy had the fortune of playing with many talented musicians for over fifty years. After a stint during World War II in the Army Air Corps band, Rudy returned to San Francisco State University and received his Bachelors in Music and teaching credential. He taught K-8 music in the Pacifica School District until his retirement in 1985. In 1954 Rudy started the Rudy Salvini Big Band. The band found great success in an era when Big Band music was considered passé and, in 1958 was invited to play at the inaugural Monterey Jazz Festival. This was the first of his many appearances. Rudy's eclectic and long career allowed him to play with many greats, including: Dave Brubeck, Mel Tormé, Earl "Fatha" Hines, Turk Murphy, Vince Guaraldi, Cal Tjader to name a few. It was Rudy's long time association with the musicians of the Bay Area that inspired him and led to the longevity of his career. Rudy's band rehearsed for over fifty years at the union hall in San Francisco, and it was the mutual admiration held by many of the Bay Area's great musicians that motivated their dedication to his band. Rudy also continued to play gigs up until the last month of his life. Rudy is survived by his wife Erna, his step-children and their spouses, eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He will be missed by not only his family, but his many friends and fellow musicians. A celebration of Rudy's life will be held on June 26, at the Elks Lodge in Alameda at 2pm. Please RSVP by email to RudySalviniBigBand@gmail.com. Donations can be made in Rudy's name to Musical Fund Society, 116 9th St. San Francisco, Ca. 94103. Santos-Robinson Mortuary San Leandro 510-483-0123 www.santos-robinson.com